Rizvan Kuniev vs Hugo Cunha Prediction: the Russian fighter needs a bright win

Prediction for the MMA match which will take place on August 21. Who will turn out to be stronger? Check the team conditions! Several betting options are available.

Rizvan Kuniev

The 32-year-old Rizvan Kuniev has a wealth of experience from both amateur and professional careers.

In 2020, the Russian fighter won the Eagle FC heavyweight championship belt and went on to conquer America. In September 2021 Kuniev already tried to make his way to the UFC through the Contender Series and defeated Edivan Santos by technical knockout, however, this did not impress Dana White much and Rizvan did not get a contract with the organisation.

Last year Kuniev tried to fight for a million dollars in the PFL regular season. Rizvan got off to a strong start, defeating Renan Ferreira, but was caught using banned substances and was disqualified.

Kuniev will now try to break into the UFC once again, and he has everything in place to make it in the world's strongest league. Rizvan has not lost in his last ten fights, and his win over Renan Ferreira hints at the high level of the Russian, as it was the huge Brazilian who won the season, then knocked out Bellator champion Ryan Bader in a matter of seconds, and now will fight Francis Ngannou.

Kuniev poses a serious threat to opponents, as he can deliver a powerful punch in the stand-up and do serious damage, as well as simply wreck his opponent on the canvas.

Hugo Cunha

The 31-year-old Hugo Cunha may be remembered by Russian spectators for his performance in Open FC. In April 2021, the Brazilian choked out Oleg Kubanov in the first round.

After the victory in Russia, Cunha tried his hand at ONE Championship, but could not cope with Dustin Joynson, losing by split decision.

Ugo went on to fight two fights in the LFA, picked up two early wins and was invited to compete at the Contender Series. It is noteworthy that Cunha has won all eight of his professional career victories by early decision.

Expert Betting Tips

On paper, the Brazilian looks like a pretty dangerous fighter who wins exclusively early, with both submissions and knockouts, but as they say, there are levels to this game.

Kuniev is much more experienced than his opponent and has seen opposition of a completely different level opposite him. Rizvan is absolutely logical to go as a serious favourite before the fight. He has been trying to establish himself in the top leagues for three years now, and now everything should work out.

Rizvan is well aware that he just needs a bright win to get a contract with the UFC, so we can expect maximum pressure from the Russian fighter from the very beginning of the fight.